50 Wedding Photos You Can't Do Without!

Your wedding photos shouldn't just be beautiful -- they should tell the story of your wedding day. From the look on your guests' faces as you walk down the aisle to your first dance, these insanely gorgeous photos will give you an idea of what we're talking about. Take a look, drool a little, get ideas, and then find your photographer.

by The Knot

Your Preceremony Emotions

photo by Shelly Kroeger Photography

Before the ceremony, you'll probably have a lot on your mind -- namely marrying your best friend -- making this the perfect time for your photographer to capture candid smiles and expressions.

The Getting Ready Photo

photo by B&G Photography

The time before the ceremony while you're getting ready -- whether it's stepping into your dress or having your makeup done -- is one of the most exciting parts of the day.

A Shot of Your Wedding Dress

photo by Artisan Style Photojournalism

Your wedding dress -- the one you found after months of searching or the one you stumbled upon at a sample sale -- will be the focal point of the day.

A Fashion Magazine-Worthy Photo of You

Once you're all put together, you're going to want an I-look-amazing-and-I-know-it shot (trust us, you will!).

The Wedding Rings Photo

photo by Elizabeth Messina

We've seen photographers arrange the wedding rings in books, bowls, bouquets, and more. No matter how it's propped, a good shot of your wedding bands (like this one) is a scene-setter.

Personal Notes and Wedding Vows

A sign-of-the-times shot of wedding vows typed up on an iPhone notepad is a sweet addition to the photo album.

A Photo of Your Bridal Bouquet

photo by Boutwell Studio

Black-and-White Action Shots

photo by Kristin Spencer Photography

Many times, action shots are just simply stunning in black and white, and this is one of them.

Family Moments

photo by Agnes Lopez Photography

You'll probably have the posed shots of your families all together after the ceremony. But a photojournalistic shot of you with your dad or mom just before the ceremony is full of emotion and sentiment -- a must-have if you ask us.

A Shot of You and Your Bestie

photo by Jenna Walker Photographers

She's your very best friend or she's your sister (or both!), and you asked her to be your bridesmaid or maid of honor for good reason. A shot of the two of you together for the album is a no-brainer.

The Child Attendant Photos

photo by Corbin Gurkin Photography

Just the Guys

photo by VUE Photography

Shots of the guys gathered together on the porch before the ceremony or just hanging out with the groom relaxing preceremony are so much better than the stiff all-lined-up shots from your parents' wedding album.

The Bridesmaid Bouquet Photo

photo by Red Loft Studios

The Only-At-Your-Wedding Detail Shot

photo by Nashan Photographers

Maybe you decided to have your dog prance down the aisle as ring bearer or you're going to plant a tree in front of all your friends and family during the ceremony. Whatever tradition you decided to reinvent, make sure your photographer knows about it so they can be on the lookout to capture it.

The In-Between-Moments Photos

photo by Cheri Pearl Photography

Sometimes the best photos are shot behind-the-scenes, like this one of two younger guests playing with their etch-a-sketches preceremony.

The Wedding Invitation Photo

photo by Diana M. Lott Photgraphy

Your wedding invitation sets the tone for the entire wedding day. A photo of it at your wedding venue would make for a great opening shot to your album.

Welcome Bags and Bridal Party Gifts

photo by Olive Juice Studios

Your Ceremony Setting

photo by Boutwell Studio

Your Ceremony Decorations

photo by Alea Moore Photography

A "Here Comes the Bride" Photo

photo by Polito Photography

Your Bridesmaids

photo by Ryan Phillips Photography

It's a given that you'll get shots of your bridesmaids from the front. But a shot from the other direction as they watch you exchange vows gives your ceremony even more dimension (and captures the detail on their dresses!).

The Ceremony Musicians

photo by Skye Blu Photography

Whether it's your talented cousin singing your favorite classical number or a professional string quartet for your walk down the aisle, a photo of the ceremony music is a great way to remember the sounds of the day.

A Sweeping Shot of Your Ceremony

photo by Robin Proctor Photography

A shot like this one -- captured from the vantage point of someone who happened to walk by your wedding ceremony -- is one for the picture frames.

Traditions and Exits

photo by D. Bryant Photography

Whether it's a six-sword military salute, the traditional breaking of the glass, or a crown exchange, clue your photographer in to the traditions you're planning for the day so that you have it in a photo.

Your Big Kiss

photo by Dia Rao Photography

You know the snide saying -- why don't you take a picture and it'll last longer? We think it's appropriate here.

The "We did it!" Photo

photo by Anna Kuperberg

A Scenic Shot

photo by Jared Wilson Photography

While your guests are at the cocktail hour, you may want to take the time to grab a few posed, environmental shots like this one.

The Modern Bridal Party Photo

photo by Julie Wilson Photography

Gone are the days of stiff lines of bridesmaids and groomsmen. A bridal party photo that feels relaxed and environmental is so much more interesting.

The Modern Bridal Family Photo

photo by Jen Kroll Photography

The Wedding Shoes Photo

photo by Punam Bean Photographer

The Welcome Sign Photo

photo by Christine Gallagher Photography

The Big-Picture Shot

photo by Julie Wilson Photography

A long-lens view of your wedding setting -- whether it's the outside of your reception venue, the outdoor cocktail setting, or a long-range photo of your reception tent -- would be a great addition.

A Candid Guest Photo

photo by Leigh Miller Photography

The best pictures are many times the ones that you won't find on a must-have wedding photography shot list. An aerial shot of your guests enjoying themselves at the cocktail hour is one example.

The Entryway Photo

photo by 5ive 15ifteen photo company

The Escort Card Photo

photo by Kristin Spencer Photography

The Reception Room

photo by Cameron Ingalls, Inc

The Centerpiece Photo

photo by 5ive 15ifteen photo company

The Wedding Favors Photo

photo by Jules Bianchi Photography

The Catering Photo

photo by Shelly Kroeger Photography

The Band or DJ

photo by Lisa Lefkowitz

The Wedding Cake Photo

photo by Harry Taylor Photography

Step aside and allow your photographer to get a clean and clear shot of your wedding cake (preferably a well-lit shot).

The Cake-Cutting Photo

photo by Del Rao Photography

Of course, go ahead and cut into that piece of amazingess. The cutting of the cake is one of the most photographed moments at the wedding -- a classic addition to the album.

The Wedding Toast Photo

photo by Kirsten Shultz Photography

The wedding toasts are a time for tears, laughter, and sometimes surprises. Photos of your toasters as well as your reactions are must-haves.

The First Dance Photo

photo by Agnes Lopez Photography

Speaking of must-haves, your first dance is one of the last formalities of the evening. A shot of the two of you in the spotlight makes for great action shots.

An Overhead Shot

photo by Tony Gajate Photography

Silly Dances

photo by VUE Photography

The Photobooth Smooch Photo

photo by Smilebooth

The Getaway Car Photo

photo by Jesse Leake Photography

The Day-After Shot

photo by Heather Waraksa Photography

While this particular shot was taken the day after the wedding (during a day-after wedding photo shoot), it's these types of shots that remind you what your wedding day is really about. All the better if you can prop it out with one of your shared passions like music or books.